HC11 Cells

The HC11 cell line, a clone derived from the COMMA-1D parental cell line, is an epithelial cell line sourced from the mammary gland of a mid-pregnant BALB/c mouse. This particular clone was isolated through transfection and was subsequently selected for its ability to induce beta-casein protein in response to prolactin. As a model, HC11 is particularly noted for its responsiveness to prolactin and other lactogenic hormones like insulin and dexamethasone, which facilitate the production of milk proteins such as beta-casein. In terms of cellular behavior and characteristics, HC11 cells are capable of differentiation in culture conditions that do not require the addition of a complex extracellular matrix or co-culture with other cell types. This simplifies the use of HC11 cells in various experimental setups, focusing on the cellular mechanisms of mammary gland function and development. Notably, HC11 cells autonomously produce key extracellular matrix proteins, including laminin, which are crucial for their structure and function. The gene expression profile of HC11 cells varies with their differentiation state: undifferentiated cells express genes such as Lgals1, Ran, Jam-A, Bmpr1a, Nfkbiz, Trib 1, Rps21, and ler3, while differentiated cells express Id1, highlighting the dynamic changes in gene expression associated with mammary epithelial cell differentiation.